During an episode of the popular reality show Bigg Boss, star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer was recently named the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The first-ever announcement in IPL history elicited a range of responses, including one from legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers.
At the IPL auction, Iyer was purchased by Punjab Kings for an unprecedented INR 26.75 crore, making him the second most expensive player in IPL history. His leadership was formally announced on Bigg Boss, which is hosted by Bollywood star Salman Khan. AB de Villiers responded to the news by posting his opinions on his YouTube channel.
“Shreyas Iyer is strangely named the Punjab Kings’ captain on a television program.
I thought that was quite humorous. Possibly, it is the new standard. Normally, I’m accustomed to official announcements and press conferences, but this was kind of refreshing.
Iyer’s 2024 has been outstanding in both domestic and franchise cricket. As a member of the winning Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy squad, the stylish right-hander captained Mumbai to triumphs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL victory earlier in 2024.
Punjab Kings might have a successful season: AB de Villiers
For Punjab Kings, who have had difficulty qualifying for the playoffs since 2014, the 30-year-old is a valued asset due to his leadership qualities and capacity to perform well under duress. Remarkably, Iyer will be leading an IPL team for the third season. In the meantime, the former South African batsman lavished Iyer with accolades for his leadership, especially during his time with KKR, who won the 2024 championship under Iyer.
“With KKR, he has had some success, leading them to triumph and winning the IPL. That was truly amazing, and to be honest, KKR suffered a significant defeat. Despite a lot of pressure and a lot of good teams playing against you, all the players, I think Shreyas handled the IPL really well. He continued, “Shreyas managed to maintain composure and calmness in that KKR unit.”
Iyer will rejoin his former DC team coach Ricky Ponting at the Punjab-based team, with whom he had a good time leading them to the 2020 IPL final. De Villiers noted the pair’s capacity to turn around PBKS’ situation.
However, he is playing for the Punjab Kings this season, and it’s wonderful to see him being coached by Ricky Ponting. Ponting has an exceptionally sharp cricket mind, making him one of the greatest players to have ever played this game. It’s wonderful to see the two of them together. Finally, I believe that the Punjab Kings will have a successful season because they have a fantastic group of players.
It has been a long time, isn’t it? We haven’t seen them in the knockout stages in a long time, so this will benefit the competition. In my opinion, Shreyas Iyer will benefit from Ricky Ponting. Due to his victory in the IPL last year, Shreyas already has a great deal of experience. He’s a natural leader, in my opinion, and he has a great side to work with,” de Villiers said.
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